The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine Gains Bipartisan Support for GAO Assessment of Federal Regenerative Medicine Activities

Letter Sent by Six Senators Requests Better Understanding of Government Initiatives Affecting Regenerative Medicine

WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - Nov 12, 2013) - The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM), the largest multi-stakeholder advocacy organization representing regenerative medicine, announced that a letter signed by six bipartisan Senators has been sent to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting the agency to assess all current federal activities impacting the field of regenerative medicine. The full letter can be found at http://alliancerm.org/page/policy-and-government-relations.

"We are thrilled to have the support of this bipartisan group of Senators," said Michael Werner, Executive Director of ARM. "As our nation looks to advance this critical healthcare field, a thorough, strategic assessment of current activities related to regenerative medicine occurring at various agencies throughout the federal government will enable better coordination of efforts and more effective use of resources."

This request represents one element of a national regenerative medicine strategy and was included in H.R. 1862, the Regenerative Medicine Promotion Act. The letter specifically requests that the GAO address research funding, barriers to innovation and coordination among federal agencies. GAO is the investigative arm of Congress, and is responsible for improving the performance and accountability of the federal government for the benefit of the American people.

Regenerative medicine aims to resolve unmet medical needs by addressing the underlying causes of disease. It employs a variety of therapeutic strategies to augment, repair, replace or regenerate cells, tissues or organs in order to restore or establish function. Due to regenerative medicine's unique approach to altering the fundamental mechanisms of disease, and its potential to cure many indications, it is critical that all parties work together to bring these therapies to patients.

About The Alliance for Regenerative MedicineThe Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM) is a Washington, DC-based multi-stakeholder advocacy organization that promotes legislative, regulatory and reimbursement initiatives necessary to facilitate access to life-giving advances in regenerative medicine. ARM also works to increase public understanding of the field and its potential to transform human healthcare, providing business development and investor outreach services to support the growth of its member companies and research organizations. Prior to the formation of ARM in 2009, there was no advocacy organization operating in Washington, DC to specifically represent the interests of the companies, research institutions, investors and patient groups that comprise the entire regenerative medicine community. Today ARM has more than 145 members and is the leading global advocacy organization in this field. To learn more about ARM or to become a member, visit www.alliancerm.org.